Research Associate in Chemical Engineering

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop a deep learning pipeline for benchmarking protein representations and surfaces. The successful candidate will join Dr.

Camille Bilodeau's Chemical Engineering group to lead ML methods using simulations and to build software pipelines interfacing ML models with transport models. Responsibilities include developing Python/PyTorch pipelines, conducting large-scale simulations, creating open-source

Qualifications

• Ph.D. by start date in a related field.
• Experience with deep learning and machine learning methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop a Python-based pipeline to generate ML inputs from protein data.
• Build a PyTorch-based pipeline to predict protein properties from representations.
• Perform large-scale molecular simulations for training data.
• Create an open-source Python package to integrate pretrained models with transport models.
• Lead meetings, report progress to collaborators.
• Publish findings and present at conferences.
• Mentor students and foster an inclusive research environment.
• Contribute to proposal development and new funding opportunities.

Skills

Deep learning

Molecular simulations

Biophysics of proteins

Python-based coding/software

Education

Ph.D. in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, or related field

Job description

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Postdoc) to develop a deep learning pipeline aimed at benchmarking alternative methods for representing proteins and protein surfaces. The Postdoc will join Dr. Camille Bilodeau's research group in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia and will collaborate closely with research partners within the department and at other institutions to lead and contribute to projects involving developing machine learning methods to predict protein properties, using molecular simulations to generate training data, and constructing software pipelines to interface the machine learning or molecular models with transport models.

Key Responsibilities

The Postdoc will play a critical role in advancing our understanding of protein representation in neural networks with an emphasis on surface-based representations and will develop approaches for interfacing deep learning models (trained on simulations and/or experiments) with transport models. Working collaboratively with faculty and research partners at UVA and other institutions, the Postdoc will take ownership of research activities while contributing to the broader mission of the group. Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop a python-based pipeline to generate machine learning inputs from protein sequence/structure data
• Develop a Pytorch-based pipeline to predict the properties of proteins based on a wide array of protein representations including both standard and custom representations
• Perform large scale molecular simulations to generate training data for deep learning models
• Construct an open-source python-based software package that allows pretrained models to be used in combination with transport models developed by collaborators
• Lead team meetings and provide regular updates to collaborators
• Synthesize and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to an inclusive and collaborative research environment
• Contribute to proposal development and identification of new funding opportunities

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field by the appointment start date. Candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas will be given priority consideration:

• Deep learning
• Molecular simulations
• Biophysics of proteins
• Python-based coding/software development

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research, communicate effectively across disciplinary boundaries, and work collaboratively with academic, government, and community partners. Experience mentoring students is a plus.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Review of applications will begin on August 7, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

The anticipated start date is September 15, 2026. A later start date may be accommodated.

This position is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional one-year increment, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, contact Camille Bilodeau ([e-mail]).

For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail].

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.